What term is used to describe the side effect of antipsychotic medications that includes rigidity and shuffling gait?

The term that describes the side effect of antipsychotic medications, which is characterized by rigidity and a shuffling gait, is pseudoparkinsonism. This condition mimics the symptoms of Parkinson's disease due to the dopamine-blocking effects of antipsychotic medications. Individuals experiencing pseudoparkinsonism may show symptoms such as muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowed movement), tremors, and a shuffling gait, all of which are similar to the motor impairments seen in Parkinson's disease. Understanding this side effect is essential for occupational therapy practitioners as it significantly affects a person's mobility, balance, and overall quality of life.

In contrast, akathisia refers to a state of inner restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in constant motion, which is different from the movement rigidity seen in pseudoparkinsonism. Akinesia refers to a lack or loss of movement, while tardive dyskinesia involves involuntary, repetitive body movements often occurring after long-term use of antipsychotic medications, but it does not primarily include the rigidity and gait disturbances associated with pseudoparkinsonism.